ANALYSIS OF PARTY SYSTEM AND ITS IMPACT ON NIGERIAN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Background of the Study The formation of political parties in Nigeria can be traced back to the period of the nationalist struggle for self-rule in the late 1940s, spanning both the pre-independence and early post-independence eras. During these initial stages, political parties in Nigeria lacked ideological grounding. Instead, they were regionally focused and built around prominent individuals who were regarded as political mentors by their followers. Over the past decade, political parties have often been established in response to prevailing political circumstances and exigencies of the time. This pattern remained until 1998, when the demand arose for political parties that could usher in a new democratic era after Nigeria had endured over fifteen years of military rule. Historically, political parties have played, and continue to play, a significant role in advancing democratic principles in the country. Over the last fifty years, Nigeria has witnessed the emergence and transformation of numerous political parties. Between 1991 and 1993, Nigeria operated under a two-party system established by the government: the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). However, both parties were dissolved by the military government following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. The transition to civilian rule in 1999 marked a new chapter in Nigeria’s political history. The return to democracy brought about a more liberal approach to political party registration, thereby expanding political space and encouraging broader participation in the democratic process. Today, Nigeria has over fifty registered political parties, although only a handful have managed to achieve electoral success. A few dominant political parties have come to control the political landscape so extensively that concerns have been raised about a potential slide toward a one-party state. Opposition parties have increasingly defected to the ruling party at both federal and state levels. Like many African nations, Nigeria has faced considerable democratic challenges, yet it has also recorded significant progress over the years. As the political system continues to evolve, there have been widespread calls for reform and improvement in the way political parties are organized and managed. Many Nigerians argue that the country must adopt systems that uphold the constitutional right of citizens to freely elect their leaders. As the country continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, political parties must reflect a renewed commitment to addressing the people’s needs and aspirations for sustainable and inclusive development. The 2011 general elections exposed several flaws in Nigeria’s democratic process, drawing global attention to the nation's political structure and raising serious questions about the strength and integrity of its democratic institutions (Voice of Nigeria, Thursday, April 18th, 2013). 1.2 Statement of the Problems In a multi-party democracy, political parties serve as central instruments of political development. Regardless of their ideological orientations, political strategies, or chances of electoral success, these parties are permitted to compete for control of governmental power and are expected to promote unity and integration among the people. In modern democracies, political parties are typically seen as agents of national cohesion, peace, and development. Despite this generally accepted role, Nigeria's multi-party system still presents challenges that call this perception into question. Accordingly, this study seeks to explore and address the following critical questions: 1. Is there a significant relationship between the multi-party system and political development in Nigeria? 2. What are the political implications of operating a multi-party system in Nigeria? 3. Does the multi-party system contribute to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria? 1.3 Objectives of the Study The broad objectives or aims of this research work are simply to know the meaning and contributions of multi-party system in Nigeria political development. And these specific objectives are as follows: 1. To find out the relationship between multi-party system and political development in Nigeria. 2. To access the political implication of multi-party system in Nigeria. 3. To access whether the existence of multi-party system ensures democratic consolidation in Nigeria. 1.4 Significance of the Study This research work will be significant in the following ways:Firstly, it will help decision making organs, institutions to determine the basis for political party formation in Nigeria in order to achieve National integration and political development.Secondly, invaluably, it will contribute to academic knowledge as regards to function of political parties to political development.Furthermore, it will create awareness and inspire a sense of responsibility on members of political party on the role expected of them to achieve good governance and political development. 1.5 Literature Review